The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Imo State University branch, has declared a total and indefinite strike, effectively shutting down academic activities at the institution.
The union announced the action on Monday, August 10, accusing the Imo State Government and the university management of failing to implement the 2025 agreement reached between ASUU and the Federal Government.
ASUU also listed unpaid salaries, promotion arrears dating back to 2016 and other unresolved welfare issues among reasons for the strike.
The branch Chairman, Stephen Oguji, and Secretary, Lazarus Chikwendu, announced the decision during a press conference at the university in Owerri.
According to the union, the agreement signed by ASUU and the Federal Government on December 23, 2025, was expected to take effect from January 1, 2026.
It said implementation had already begun in some state-owned universities, including institutions controlled by Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Sokoto states.
ASUU-IMSU, however, expressed frustration that nearly eight months after the agreement was signed, no similar implementation had taken place at Imo State University.
The union said it had repeatedly presented the agreement to the university administration, held discussions with management and issued a 21-day ultimatum without receiving any meaningful response.
“It is deeply disappointing that while our members have continued to discharge their duties with dedication and professionalism, the welfare commitments freely entered into by Government remain neglected,” the union said.
ASUU also protested the continued retention of IMSU under the Treasury Single Account, describing it as an erosion of university autonomy.
It further alleged that promotion arrears had remained unpaid since 2016, while several lecturers were owed months of salaries.
The union also complained about the withholding of 21 months of check-off dues and the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances dating back to 2009.
ASUU recalled that similar grievances led to a strike in 2024, which was later suspended following appeals and assurances from the university management that the issues would be addressed.
The lecturers said those promises had not produced the expected results.
“ASUU-IMSU has therefore today, 10th August, 2026 embarked on a total and indefinite strike and vows never to return to work until the agreement is fully implemented,” the union declared.
It called on the Imo State Government to urgently direct the implementation of the 2025 ASUU-FGN agreement at the university, warning that continued delay would only worsen industrial tension.
The union also appealed to traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, parents, students and other education stakeholders to intervene.
ASUU-IMSU maintained that it remained open to dialogue and consultation but warned that its preference for peaceful engagement should not be interpreted as acceptance of what it described as continued denial of its members’ legitimate welfare rights.
